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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: July 21, 2017 15:02 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESEcuador - Exercise a high degree of cautionThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for Ecuador. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to high levels of crime and a high risk of natural disasters.City of Montañita - Avoid non-essential travelGlobal Affairs Canada advises against non-essential travel to the city of Montañita due to incidents of attacks and sexual assaults against foreign women travellers.See Safety and security for more information.Areas immediately bordering Colombia - Avoid all travelGlobal Affairs Canada advises against all travel to the areas immediately bordering Colombia due to the presence of drug traffickers and criminal organizations. This includes the provinces of Carchi and Sucumbíos-except the city of Tulcán-and the town of San Lorenzo, located in the north of the province of Esmeraldas.See Safety and security for more information.Rural Areas south of Cuenca - Avoid all travelGlobal Affairs Canada advises against all travel to to rural isolated areas in the southern provinces bordering Peru (Zamora-Chinchipe, Morona-Santiago and El Oro) due to the presence of landmines and unmarked minefields in the Cordillera del Cóndor, near the Peruvian border. De-mining efforts are under way to remove landmines; the goal is to have all landmines removed by 2017.See Safety and security for more information.Travel Health Notice - Zika virusThe Public Health Agency of Canada has issued advice for travellers on the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Ecuador. See Health for more information.3. SECURITYAreas immediately bordering Colombia (see Advisory)Travel to and within areas immediately bordering Colombia is dangerous due to the presence of drug traffickers and criminal organizations and the risk of violence, kidnappings, armed assaults and extortion. There have been reports of Canadian, American, British and Australian tourists and foreign oil workers being kidnapped in these areas. Armed robberies have also been reported at jungle lodges in the areas of Lower Rio Napo and Cuyabeno National Reserve.Curfews and states of emergency may be declared in regions affected by civil unrest, natural disaster or other disruption. During a state of emergency, authorities have expanded powers to restore order, including suspension of some constitutional rights and expanded detention powers.CrimePetty theft, including purse snatching, car break-ins and pickpocketing is a daily occurrence in major cities. Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims' attention while the other snatches their possessions. Groups of street children who sell candy are often engaged in this type of team operation. Luggage theft is prevalent on buses (city and regional), at bus terminals, at airports and at other transit points. Thefts of backpacks and other small bags are also very common on buses. Thieves can be very creative. They will, for example, cut the purse or bag when you have it between your feet or spill something on you in order to distract you.The hotel zones in Quito are often targeted by thieves and muggers who believe tourists are affluent. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and maintain a low profile when walking in these areas. Avoid walking alone-women especially-and avoid travelling after dark.Exercise caution and be attentive to your surroundings when using automated banking machines (ABMs). Only Use ABMs in well-lit public areas, such as malls or in banks, where there are lots of people, and do so only during daylight hours. Withdraw and carry only small amounts of money. Do not show signs of affluence and keep all valuable items and electronic equipment out of sight. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents are secure at all times, and carry colour photocopies of your identification documents.Thieves often target cars stopped in traffic for break-ins. Car-jacking occurs frequently. Hide your valuables and be aware of your surroundings when driving.Armed robberies are frequent and occur in tourist destinations such as downtown areas, hiking trails and beaches. They also occur in public parks in and around transportation terminals, especially in the cities of Guayaquil, Quito, Manta and Cuenca. In Guayaquil, remain vigilant when visiting the downtown area, the waterfront (El Malecón), the market area and the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (statue of Jesus Christ) on Cerro del Carmen. In Quito, exercise caution in the areas of El Panecillo, Carolina Park, Guápulo, Old Quito, South Quito and particularly the popular tourist sector of Mariscal Sucre, where sexual assaults have also occurred. Avoid walking up to the Panecillo. There have been cases of sexual assaults and armed robberies in the area of the Pichincha volcano in Quito. Do not walk outside the limits of the Quito Teleférico (cable car) or its pathway, and avoid hiking to the antennas of the volcano via Cruz Loma, west of Quito.Armed robberies occur frequently on beaches in the province of Esmeraldas. Robberies have been carried out during the day at gunpoint and have even targeted large groups of tourists. Canadians have been assaulted.Tourists have also been robbed at gunpoint by masked men when hiking along the trail up Cerro Mandango near Vilcabamba, Loja province. Thieves have resorted to undoing or opening articles of clothing to locate valuables and personal items to steal.Random attacks at gunpoint, robberies and sexual assaults involving Canadians have occurred in and around the city of Riobamba in the province of Chimborazo.Always exercise caution, avoid isolated areas and travel in groups. Avoid wandering on deserted beaches, especially at night. In case of robbery, remain calm and do not resist.Women's safetyIncidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder, have increased throughout the country, particularly in the city of Montañita (see Advisories). Never travel alone, especially after dark. Be aware that even women travelling in pairs have been targeted. Stay in accommodations with good security, and avoid hospitality exchange arrangements, such as couch-surfing. See Her own way - a woman's safe-travel guide for travel safety information specifically for Canadian women.Spiked food and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Incidents can occur in various locations, including buses, nightclubs and bars.KidnappingKidnapping for ransom and express kidnappings, often in connection with carjackings, is a concern throughout Ecuador but is of particular concern in Guayaquil. To address the problem, the Ecuadorian government has installed cameras and panic buttons in taxis. The panic button is linked directly to 911, and as soon as you press the button, someone will be able to watch, live, what is happening in the taxi.Express kidnappings involve the brief detention of an individual, who is released only after being forced to withdraw funds from an ABM or after arranging for family or friends to pay a ransom. Exercise caution when using taxis, as taxi drivers have reportedly carried out express kidnappings. You should always use reputable radio taxi companies, booked in advance, if possible.FraudCredit card fraud is increasing in Ecuador. Credit card magnetic strips have been duplicated, particularly at restaurants and bars where swiping your own card may not always be possible. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others. Scams involving debit cards also occur. Carefully inspect ABMs before using to ensure that they have not been tampered with.Demonstrations and civil unrestDemonstrations occur sporadically throughout Ecuador, and have escalated in recent months. The cities Quito, Guayaquil (Guayas), Latacunga (Cotopaxi) and Ambat (Tungurahua) are particularly affected. Public transportation is often disrupted during demonstrations due to heavy traffic and roadblocks. Although political demonstrations have not been directed at foreigners in the past, peaceful demonstrations can become violent with little or no warning. Protesters may burn tires, throw rocks and Molotov cocktails, engage in the destruction of private and public property and detonate small improvised explosive devices during demonstrations. Police response may include the use of water cannons and tear gas. Avoid areas where demonstrations are in progress, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local developments. Be prepared with alternate travel arrangements. Foreigners are prohibited from protesting in Ecuador and may be subject to arrest for participating in any demonstration.Strikes and disturbances by local fishermen in the Galápagos Islands sometimes affect the movement of tourists and prevent access to some sites. If you are planning to travel to the Galápagos Islands, obtain written confirmation from your travel agent or tour operator that your tour vessel is certified by the Ecuadorian navy (Armada del Ecuador) to meet the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea or SOLAS standards.Road safetyThough road conditions have improved, road travel is slow due to unmarked speed bumps, large pot holes, traffic lights on major highways, heavy traffic (especially on weekends and statutory holidays) and police and military road blocks. Heavy rain and mudslides often close or wash out roads. Heavy fog occasionally poses hazards in mountainous areas.Driving in Ecuador is hazardous and unpredictable. There are all types of vehicles on the road that do not meet acceptable safety standards. Drivers involved in accidents causing physical injury are immediately detained. In many cases, detention lasts until responsibility for the accident has been assigned and all parties are satisfied.Robberies and assaults continue to be reported regularly on intercity and urban Guayaquil buses, especially after dark. Bus drivers often make illegal stops to pick up passengers on express routes, especially on the routes between Guayaquil and Cuenca and between Guayaquil and Riobamba. The Ecuadorian government has installed GPS units on buses to track their routes, where they stop and for how long, in an effort to improve security. Avoid travelling after dark.Only use registered taxis, identified by orange licence plates and an orange and white registration number on the side of the car and on the windshield. Do not hail taxis on the street.Marine travelThere is a risk of attack and armed robbery against ships in Ecuadorian waters.Air travelThe Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines' compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.Swimming safetySeek advice from local authorities before swimming, as strong currents, undertow and underwater hazards may exist and are not always posted. Most beaches lack consistently staffed lifeguard stations.General safety informationIf you intend to trek:a) never trek alone; b) always hire an experienced guide and ensure that the trekking company is reputable; c) buy travel health insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation; d) ensure that you are in top physical condition; e) advise a family member or friend of your itinerary; f) know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal; g) register with the Embassy of Canada in Ecuador; and h) obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out.Your insurance should include provision for helicopter rescue, medical evacuation and treatment for accidental injury and medical emergencies.Recently, spiritual cleansing and ayahuasca ceremonies, offered by shamans and other individuals, have led to serious illness and even the death of several tourists. Ceremonies involve taking substances that can cause medical complications and severely impair cognitive and physical abilities, and often take place in remote areas with no access to medical facilities. Tourists have also been assaulted or injured while participating in such ceremonies. These services are not regulated and there is no way to assess the safety of any of the services, the operators or the Shamans.In case of robbery, assault, fraud or loss of belongings in Quito, you may contact the “tourist police”, a specially designated police unit, at (593 2) 254-3983.The Ministry of Tourism has developed an app that can be installed on a smartphone of any traveller visiting Ecuador. It is available in English and allows you to ask for help in the case of an emergency and to be located through your phone's GPS. To install the app visit: http://www.ecu911.gob.ec/aplicacionparacelulares/.The Ministry of Tourism has a tourist service complaints management system e-mail: denuncias@turismo.gob.ec and their toll free number is 1-800-turismo (8874766).4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Ecuadorian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.PassportCanadians must present a passport to visit Ecuador, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.VisasTourist visa: Not required Business visa: Not required Student visa: Not requiredCanadians do not require a visa for stays of less than 90 days in a period of 365 days.You must leave Ecuador before the departure date stipulated on the entry stamp you receive in your passport upon arrival. If you remain in Ecuador past this date, you may be deported and must then request a visa at the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate before re-entering the country. Your name may also be added to immigration records. Attempting to re-enter Ecuador without a visa pre-issued by Ecuadorian authorities in Canada will result in exclusion and you will be returned to your port of embarkation.If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, visit Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (in Spanish) to obtain a visa before your entry permit expiries. For information in English on visa requirements prior to travelling to Ecuador, call the Ministry at 1 844 668 4543 (from Canada).If you enter Ecuador by land from Colombia or Peru, you are required to register with the Ecuadorian immigration office at the border. You must provide your passport and indicate where you are going and how long you intend to remain in the country. You must ensure that you receive an entry stamp in your passport. Failure to do so may cause significant problems when trying to exit the country.Amazon regionSome indigenous groups require permits to enter their territory. If you are planning on visiting the Amazon region, ensure that you have the required documentation prior to entering the area. Canadians entering or camping near indigenous communities have been murdered or threatened with violence. Exercise extreme caution in this area.Dual citizenshipDual citizens may enter Ecuador on an Ecuadorian passport and stay indefinitely. A dual citizen entering on a Canadian passport will be considered a tourist and only be granted a 90-day, non-extendable stay. See Laws and culture for additional information.Children born in Ecuador to a Canadian parent must be registered with the Ecuadorian Civil Registry, obtain an Ecuadorian passport and present valid Ecuadorian and Canadian passports in order to leave the country. Ecuadorian immigration authorities do not allow children born in Ecuador to depart only on their Canadian passport.Children and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years who hold dual citizenship (Ecuadorian and Canadian) and are travelling with both passports, or who are landed immigrants in Ecuador, should have a letter of consent from both parents, preferably legally certified and translated into Spanish, authorizing the travel and stipulating the destination and duration of the intended trip. This document should be notarized at the Embassy of Ecuador or a consulate in Canada. Canadian unaccompanied minors travelling as tourists with Canadian passports do not need this authorization letter.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical care is available, but it varies in quality. In Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, private hospitals offer medical services similar to those found in Canada; however, in smaller towns and in rural areas, health services are below Canadian standards. Visitors to the Galápagos Islands are advised that surgical and cardiac services are extremely limited, and serious cases require medical evacuation to the Ecuadorian mainland or to Canada for treatment. As there are no air ambulance services based on the islands, the wait time can be 48 hours or more, depending on weather conditions. Be aware that medical evacuations can be extremely expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and medical evacuation.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Individuals may be found guilty by association if they have criminal associates. Drivers should not accept hitchhikers, as they could be held responsible for them as well as for the content of their luggage. Monitor your luggage at all times when travelling, especially at airports, and never agree to carry items for another person.LawsIt is a legal requirement in Ecuador to carry identification at all times.Pedestrians should cross streets only at designated crosswalks. Jaywalking and walking off the sidewalk are punishable by a fine.DrivingAn International Driving Permit is required.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Ecuador. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you an Ecuadorian citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present an Ecuadorian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.MoneyThe currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted by many businesses, and U.S. traveller's cheques are easily changed in tourist areas and in major hotels. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not accepted.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricanes and heavy rainsHurricane seasonThe hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.Heavy rains at various times of the year trigger landslides in many areas, particularly in the Sierra (mountainous area), where road damage contributes to traffic accidents. Severe flooding occurs throughout the western provinces of Manabí, Los Rios and Guayas, particularly in Chone, Portoviejo and parts of Guayaquil. Monitor local news reports and plan accordingly. During flooding, transportation, utilities, emergency and medical care, as well as food, fuel and water supplies, may be disrupted. Water-borne and insect-borne diseases may also become a threat. If you are already in the affected areas, monitor local media for the latest developments, verify your travel plans with your airline or tour operator, and follow the instructions of local authorities.Seismic activityEcuador is located in an active seismic area. Earthquakes and tremors occur regularly. Dangerous landslides are frequent following even minor earthquakes. On April 16, 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the northwestern coast of Ecuador, causing over 500 deaths.There is a risk of tsunamis when earthquakes strike along the Pacific coastline. In Esmeraldas and Manabí provinces, the government's Integrated Security Service (the ECU 911, in Spanish only) maintains an early warning system of sirens used to alert the population of an approaching tsunami or a sudden dam overflow.There are several active and potentially active volcanoes on the mainland and on the Galapagos Islands, including around the capital Quito and the tourist communities of Banos and Riobamba. Eruptions could occur at any time and without warning. Most recently, the Reventador, Tungurahua, Sanguay and Wolf volcanoes have erupted. On August 14, 2015, Ecuador's Risk Management Secretariat issued a yellow alert for the areas surrounding the Cotopaxi volcano, following a series of volcanic explosions resulting in ash fall in Machachi, Chasquis, Amaguaña and Quito. The Minister of Environment has declared Cotopaxi National Park off limits to tourists. Consult Ecuador's geophysical institute Instituto Geofisico (in Spanish) website or press releases on the Ministerio Coordinador de Seguridad website for more information.Ash fall from active volcanoes may disrupt domestic and international flights and cause the closure of major highways. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes can also affect people`s health. If you suffer from respiratory ailments, consult a physician or travel medicine specialist well in advance to determine associated health risks. If you are planning to travel near active volcanoes, monitor local news and pay careful attention to all warnings issued, avoid restricted areas and follow the advice of local authorities. The Ecuador Secretariat of Risk Management issues public alerts (in Spanish only) for volcanoes displaying increased seismic activity. Be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice. You should be familiar with local emergency plans (available at most hotels).El NiñoA complex weather phenomenon called El Niño is expected to generate heavy rain fall which could cause flooding, landslides and mudslides and could severely disrupt travel. On November 13, 2015, the Secretary of Risk Management declared a yellow alert for 17 provinces and on November 18, the president of Ecuador declared a state of emergency for the same 17 provinces: Azuay, Bolivar, Cañar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabí, Guayas, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo and Galápagos. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts before and during your travels, and plan accordingly. Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover the consequences of such events, including the disruption of travel plans.

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